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Diversion Programs in New Jersey

What Is a Diversion?

A Diversion Program is, generally speaking, a program for first time offenders that allows certain individuals accused of a criminal offense to complete a period of probation and, after successfully completing probation, to have their charges dismissed.

If you are you facing a criminal charge for the first time you may qualify for one of New Jersey's criminal diversion programs. Contact a criminal defense attorney at Law Offices of Joseph R. Donahue, LLC to learn about the legal options available to you.

What Diversion Programs Does New Jersey Have?

New Jersey has three types of diversion programs at the adult level :

The Conditional Discharge Program: This program, also known as Chapter 36A, is available to those who face misdemeanor or disorderly persons drug charges or drug like charges. In order to qualify for the program the defendant must have no prior drug related criminal history and cannot have been given the opportunity to go through any of New Jersey's diversionary programs before. Like Pre-Trial Intervention, the Conditional Discharge Program lasts anywhere from 6 months to 3 years, after which charges are dismissed (assuming full compliance with the terms and conditions of the program).

Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI): This program is available for indictable (felony) offenders with no prior criminal history. Typically lasting 6 months to 3 years, the program is an alternative to prison time and acts as a period of probation. Charges are dismissed after successful completion of the program.

The Conditional Dismissal Program: This program is New Jersey's newest diversion program. The Conditional Dismissal Program became effective on January 4, 2014. This program only applies to certain first time offenders charged with disorderly persons offenses and petty disorderly persons offenses (misdemeanors) which occurred on or after January 4, 2014. 

Excluded from consideration are: charges covered by the Conditional Discharge Program; charges related to organized gang activity; charges related to a continuing criminal or business enterprise; charges related to a breach of the public trust by a public officer or employee; certain domestic violence offenses; offenses against an elderly, disabled or minor person; offenses involving driving or operating a motor vehicle while under the influence; and offenses involving a violation of animal cruelty laws. The Conditional Dismissal Program is similar to Pre-Trial Intervention however it only applies to certain disorderly persons offenses and petty disorderly persons offenses (misdemeanors) and the program lasts from 1 to 2 years.

More About New Jersey's Diversion Programs

Am I Eligible for a Diversion Program in New Jersey?

New Jersey's diversion programs are available to certain first time felony crime, drug crime, disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offenders with clean criminal records. These programs serve as an alternative to prison or jail time and may result in the charges against you being dismissed.

Admittance to a diversion program often requires extensive negotiation and/or litigation by an experienced lawyer.

Our lawyer has 30 years of  legal experience. Joseph R. Donahue is a skilled negotiator and litigator and our firm will vigorously represent your interests. If you are interested in participating in a criminal diversion program, speak to our team today.

Contact Our Attorney About Criminal Diversion Programs

To learn more about criminal diversion programs, we encourage you to contact our office in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Call us at (201) 574-7919 or send us an email. We will get back to you promptly.


We represent clients throughout Bergen County, Essex County, Passaic County, Hudson County, Union County, Morris County, Middlesex County, Hackensack, Paterson, Passaic, Jersey City, Newark, Elizabeth, Morristown, Union City, Allendale, Alpine, Bergenfield, Bogota, Carlstadt, Cliffside Park, Closter, Cresskill, Demarest, Dumont, East Rutherford, Edgewater, Elmwood Park, Emerson, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Fair Lawn, Fairview, Fort Lee, Franklin Lakes, Garfield, Glen Rock, Hackensack, Harrington Park, Hasbrouck Heights, Haworth, Hillsdale, Ho-Ho-Kus, Leonia, Little Ferry, Lodi, Lyndhurst, Mahwah, Maywood, Midland Park, Montvale, Moonachie, New Milford, North Arlington, Northvale, Norwood, Oakland, Old Tappan, Oradell, Palisades Park, Paramus, Park Ridge, Ramsey, Ridgefield, Ridgefield Park, Ridgewood, River Edge, River Vale, Rochelle Park, Rockleigh, Rutherford, Saddle Brook, Saddle River, South Hackensack, Teaneck, Tenafly, Teterboro, Upper Saddle River, Waldwick, Wallington, Washington Township, Westwood, Woodcliff Lake, Wood-Ridge and Wyckoff. 

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Our Trial-Tested Approach

We always strive to put our clients in the best position possible, so our immediate goal is to obtain a case dismissal or acquittal. If this cannot be done, we seek to minimize the consequences by all legal means possible, perhaps by pursuing a plea agreement, which could include alternate sentencing that improves the impact on our client’s record. Our Bergen County criminal defense attorney is a resolute advocate who never hesitates to take a case to trial if it is in the best interests of our client. No matter how complex your charges may be, we have the proven expertise and passion to help you achieve a positive outcome. Discover how we can help you today.